Eala returns to US Open with roaring fan base

NEW YORK (AP):

More than 8,000 fans packed the Grandstand at the US Open last year to witness Alex Eala rally from 5-1 down in the third set to upset 14th-ranked Clara Tauson. The crowd went wild, waving Filipino flags as they celebrated the comeback.

Eala has since climbed to a career-best No. 18 in the world and, at just 21, appears to be on a trajectory to stardom that has outgrown all but the biggest venues at Flushing Meadows.

“The crowd is going to be wild for her,” ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe said. “Better make sure they don’t put her on one of those side courts early in the tournament.”

Eala is back in New York for the latest stop on a whirlwind tour that has placed her on course to become one of the future faces of tennis. She is less than a month removed from capturing her first WTA title in Washington, and her popularity continues to soar.

Back at a Grand Slam after reaching the round of 16 at Wimbledon, Eala described herself as “a drop in the ocean” as she downplayed her impact on the sport.

“At the forefront of everything is gratitude: I’m very grateful for the support that my fans give me and that my supporters give me,” Eala said on Friday. “Every single WTA player and every single ATP player has contributed to the world of tennis and its history just by being here and by putting in the work every single day.”

Part of what has kept Eala grounded, she believes, was partnering with Venus Williams in doubles on a couple of occasions this summer. She has also studied the history of the sport and realised how much work it takes to reach the top.

“That really keeps me humble,” Eala said.

“It keeps me motivated to work harder and stay among these incredible people.”

One of those incredible people is third-ranked Jessica Pegula, who was a set up in the Washington final before Eala rallied to become the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA singles title.

“I’ve gotten to compete against the best of the best a lot more frequently,” Eala said.

“I have experienced so much growth in the past year, and so many milestones in my career.”

Eala practised yesterday with former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka. Unsurprisingly, the pair attracted an audience.

“She brings such an amazing crowd, even for practice,” Osaka said. “I really like her. I think she’s got a really solid head on her shoulders. She seems so grateful for everything. Obviously, she’s a great player.”

Mary Joe Fernandez, who was once ranked as high as No. 4, described Eala as “a big star to highlight” at the US Open.

“Her game’s really good,” Fernandez said. “She backs it up. She’s improved tremendously, I think, in the last 12 months since we saw her break through. She’s getting better and better.”

Fernandez, now an ESPN analyst, marvelled at Eala’s “off the charts” fan following, which she witnessed first-hand in Miami last year.

“It’s just gotten bigger and bigger everywhere she goes,” Fernandez said. “Every point is loud. Every point she wins, it feels like she’s won more than a point. It’s remarkable.”

Eala is scheduled to face American qualifier Mary Stoiana in the first round. Three consecutive victories could set up a showdown with fourth-seeded Coco Gauff, a matchup that would almost certainly put Eala on centre stage at Arthur Ashe Stadium.